Manufacturing Assistant Controller

The Manufacturing Assistant Controller supports the Controller and finance leadership team in managing all accounting, financial reporting, cost accounting, and internal control functions for a manufacturing operation. This role serves as a key business partner to plant leadership, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cost management, inventory control, and compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with hands-on manufacturing finance experience.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Process

• Assist in managing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Analyze financial results and explain variances to budget, forecast, and prior periods.
• Support corporate reporting requirements and management reporting packages.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Oversee standard costing processes and annual cost roll updates.
• Analyze manufacturing variances, including:
• Material usage and price variances
• Labor efficiency variances
• Overhead absorption variances
• Production volume variances
• Monitor product costs and profitability analysis.
• Partner with operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Support margin improvement initiatives and operational performance reviews.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory accounting and valuation.
• Oversee cycle count programs and physical inventory processes.
• Analyze inventory transactions and ensure proper recording of inventory movements.
• Monitor excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory reserves.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to improve inventory controls and accuracy.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Support SOX compliance activities and audit readiness.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing schedules, documentation, and analysis.
• Identify control gaps and recommend process improvements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support annual budget preparation and monthly forecasting processes.
• Develop financial analyses related to manufacturing costs, labor, overhead, and capital expenditures.
• Monitor departmental spending against approved budgets.
• Assist with long-range financial planning initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff as assigned.
• Assist the Controller in managing day-to-day accounting operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Provide backup support for key accounting functions when necessary.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.